Open Access Case Report DOI: 10.7759/cureus.8348 Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome in a Premenopausal Female Precipitated by Oral Combined Contraceptives Anna Thompson 1 , Ashley E. Siegel 2 , Zachery Thompson 1 , John M. Tramont Sr. 3 1. Pediatrics, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA 2. Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA 3. Clinical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA Corresponding author: Ashley E. Siegel,
[email protected] Abstract It has been well documented that female sex is a significant risk factor for the development of various autoimmune diseases. While the reason for this has been debated, one well-regarded theory is that increased estrogen and decreased testosterone play a role in this predisposition. Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is an autoimmune disorder that affects over nine million women in the United States. It presents with pelvic and bladder pain and urinary symptoms, both of which significantly and negatively affect the quality of life. Even so, very few studies have examined the pathophysiologic relationship between autoimmune disorders and hormonal contraceptives. In this report, we present a case of IC likely precipitated by oral contraceptives (OCPs) in a premenopausal female. Shortly after beginning OCPs, this patient developed symptoms of severe pelvic pain and increased urinary frequency. Over the course of a year, the patient was diagnosed and treated for a variety of conditions, such as urinary tract infection (UTI), fungal vaginitis, and nephrolithiasis. After consultation with a gynecologist, a normal abdominal CT scan, and unsuccessful cystoscopy due to pain, she was finally diagnosed with IC.